Three Wilson College students led their horses across the Wilson College campus on a sunny May afternoon for a worship service honoring all God’s creatures.

Pets of all sizes each received a blessing from Chaplain Rosie Magee during the poignant outdoor service.

About 25 Wilson College students and staff brought their pets, including horses, dogs, cats, three rats and a snake to the May 11 service.

Magee blessed Polar and Eclipse, Laura Harmyk’s two pet rats who sat atop their owner’s shoulders for most of the service. “It’s always so nice to see all the animals each year,” said Harmyk, a Wilson student from New Jersey.

Wilson senior Margo Luke brought Butters for a blessing. Butters is a five-week-old orange male kitten adopted by Luke just one day before the event.

This was the first blessing for Kestrel, a female horse owned by Liz Hart, a Wilson sophomore.

Scripture readings, music and hymns focused on the importance of all animals in the Lord’s plan, Magee citing the story of Noah’s Ark, in which Noah and his family — as well as the animals in the ark — were saved from the great flood.

Jessica Domanico gave a tearful tribute to Toby, a horse who had recently died. She told how Toby taught her a lot about herself and life.

Toby, who loved

Cheerios cereal, had lived in Wilson’s stables and was one of the horses used in classes at the college.

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Iris Hersh may be reached at 262-4757 or ihersh@publicopinionnews.com.